Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks offer one of America’s most spectacular road trip experiences. From the towering red cliffs of Zion to the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and the stunning arches of Arches National Park, a 5-day journey through these parks showcases the best of the American Southwest. A well-planned Utah Mighty 5 road trip allows you to experience Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks in just five days, though adding extra time would enhance your experience.
Want the full breakdown? The Day-to-Day Itinerary section below has everything you need!
Planning Your Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip
A successful journey through Utah’s five national parks requires thoughtful preparation. Your trip will be more enjoyable with the right timing, route planning, and accommodations secured in advance.
When to Visit Utah’s Mighty 5:
- Spring (April–May) and Fall (Sept–Oct):
Best weather! Temps are usually 60–80°F — great for hiking and exploring. - Summer (June–August):
Very hot (can be over 100°F) and crowded. Hike early or late in the day to stay cool. - Winter (Nov–March):
Fewer people and beautiful snowy views, especially in Bryce Canyon.
Some trails may be icy or closed — bring ice spikes and trekking poles.- Note: In Zion National Park, the shuttle system typically does not operate from late November through mid-March. During these months, visitors are allowed to drive their own vehicles into Zion Canyon (weather permitting).
Route Overview and Driving Distances
Here’s a breakdown of driving distances between parks from the most convenient international airports;
- Harry Reid International Airport to Zion: approx. 160 miles around 2.5 hours
- Zion to Bryce Canyon: approx. 70 miles around 1.5 hours
- Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef: approx. 120 miles around 2.5 hours
- Capitol Reef to Canyonlands: approx. 150 miles around 2.5 hours
- Canyonlands to Arches: Approximately 30 miles around 40 minutes
- Arches to Salt Lake City International Airport: 230 miles around 4 hours
Total driving time = approximately 12.5 – 13.5 hours
Time Saver Tip: If you want to save ~2 hours of driving time, you can fly out of Grand Junction regional airport instead of SLC international airport, but may be a little more expensive and less flights available.
Plan for additional driving time within the parks themselves. The total route spans approximately 800 miles and requires at least 13 hours of driving time.
Allow flexibility in your schedule for unexpected discoveries or weather delays. A 5 day itinerary is possible but rushed—7-10 days is ideal for a more relaxed experience.
Accommodation Options Along the Way
When lodging near Utah’s national parks in nearby towns it’s recommended to book 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak seasons.
Staying near the park.
Town of Springdale – Zion National Park
Town of Torrey – Capitol Reef National Park
City of Moab – Arches and Canyonlands National Park
Navigating Park Fees and Permits
Park Passes:
- America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 (covers all 5 parks)
- Individual park entry: $20-35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Some popular hikes require advance permits. The Zion Narrows and Angels Landing often have reservation systems to limit crowds.
Plan permits well in advance – they can sell out 2-3 months ahead for popular attractions. Check each park’s website for current requirements.
Highlights of Each National Park
Utah’s five national parks offer unique landscapes and experiences that will leave you in awe. Each park has distinctive features from towering rock formations to deep canyons that showcase nature’s incredible artistry.
Park #1: Zion National Park: Canyons and Cliffs
Zion National Park amazes visitors with its massive sandstone cliffs in cream, pink, and red colors that soar into the blue sky. The park’s crown jewel is The Narrows, a slot canyon where you’ll wade through the Virgin River between towering walls.
Angels Landing offers one of the most thrilling hikes in the national park system. The trail includes a section with chains to hold as you traverse narrow ridges with 1,000-foot drops on either side.
Tip: In colder months renting dry gear is a must if you desire to hike the narrows. You can rent gear from Zion Outfitters located just outside the park in the town of Springdale.
Tip: You will need a permit to hike angels landing. You may enter the lottery system on recreation.gov. You are able to apply to the seasonal lottery, or try your luck with a day-before lottery. Not everyone will be issued a permit. The more you enter the lottery the better your chances.
- Lottery application Fee: (non-refundable) = $6.00
- Recreation Fee: each issued permit will be charged $3.00 per person
Emerald Pools Trail takes you to serene pools and waterfalls in three tiers. This moderately easy hike is perfect for families.
Don’t miss Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, accessible by shuttle during peak season or by personal vehicle on off season. The Riverside Walk is a paved path that follows the Virgin River and provides an easy way to experience the canyon’s beauty.
Park #2: Bryce Canyon National Park: Hoodoos and Forests
Bryce Canyon’s landscape will leave you speechless with its thousands of hoodoos, tall skinny spires of rock that rise from the canyon floor. These colorful formations create an otherworldly landscape best viewed at sunrise or sunset.
The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail combination offers the best introduction to the park. This 3-mile path takes you down among the hoodoos for an up-close experience with these fantastic formations.
Bryce Point provides spectacular panoramic views of the entire amphitheater filled with hoodoos. This viewpoint is particularly magical at sunrise when the first light paints the rocks in vibrant orange and red.
For a different perspective, try the Fairyland Loop, an 8-mile trail that escapes the crowds while showcasing diverse scenery. The park also offers excellent stargazing opportunities as it holds International Dark Sky Park status.
Park #3: Capitol Reef National Park: Orchards and Rock Formations
Capitol Reef uniquely combines dramatic landscapes with historic pioneer sites. The park features the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile wrinkle in the earth’s crust that creates a stunning maze of cliffs, canyons, and domes.
Don’t miss Fruita Historic District with its pioneer-planted orchards where you can pick seasonal fruit from June through October. The Gifford Homestead offers fresh-baked pies and other treats made from orchard fruits.
Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash provide easy hikes through narrow canyons with towering walls. Look for the Pioneer Register where early travelers carved their names into the rock.
Hickman Bridge Trail leads to an impressive 133-foot natural bridge. This moderate 2-mile round trip hike rewards you with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Sunset Point offers breathtaking views of the colorful cliffs and is an ideal spot for photography.
Park #4: Arches National Park: Arches and Landscapes
Arches National Park houses over 2,000 natural stone arches—the highest concentration anywhere on earth. The park’s most iconic feature is Delicate Arch, a freestanding 65-foot arch that appears on Utah license plates.
Landscape Arch stretches an incredible 306 feet, making it one of the longest natural arches in the world. The relatively easy 1.6-mile trail to view it is suitable for most visitors.
The Windows Section contains several easily accessible arches, perfect if you’re short on time. Double Arch, North and South Windows, and Turret Arch can all be seen with minimal hiking.
Devil’s Garden trail system offers more adventure with seven spectacular arches along a 7.2-mile loop.
Park #5: Canyonlands National Park: Mesas and Buttes
Canyonlands divides into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers. Island in the Sky district is the most accessible and offers dramatic views from 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain.
Mesa Arch is particularly stunning at sunrise when the sun illuminates the underside of the arch with a golden glow. The short 0.5-mile trail makes this view accessible to most visitors.
Grand View Point provides a sweeping panorama of the canyons carved by the Colorado and Green rivers. You’ll see countless buttes, mesas, and spires stretching to the horizon.
The Needles district features colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone. Chesler Park Loop and Joint Trail take you through narrow rock passages and open meadows surrounded by needles.
Shafer Trail offers a thrilling 4×4 adventure down switchbacks from Island in the Sky to the White Rim Road. This drive is not for the faint of heart but delivers unforgettable views.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
This comprehensive schedule guides you through Utah’s magnificent national parks with strategic stops and must-see highlights. The route minimizes driving time while maximizing your exposure to breathtaking landscapes.
Day 1: Starting at Zion National Park
Begin your adventure at Zion National Park, arriving early to beat the crowds. Park at the visitor center and take the shuttle into the main canyon.
Spend your morning hiking the iconic Angel’s Landing trail if you received your permit and you’re comfortable with heights, or opt for the more accessible Riverside Walk that leads to the entrance of The Narrows
After your hike, treat yourself to a well-earned lunch at Zion Canyon Brew Pub or Oscar’s Cafe in Springdale, UT—whether you’re craving a refreshing local brew with canyon views or a hearty, flavor-packed meal, both spots deliver the perfect energy boost.
After lunch, head back into the park and explore the Emerald Pools trails – a series of three pools with increasing difficulty levels. The Lower Pool is an easy 1.2-mile round trip suitable for most visitors.
End your day with sunset views at the Canyon Overlook Trail, a moderate 1-mile round trip hike offering spectacular vistas of the main canyon. This spot provides perfect photo opportunities as the setting sun bathes the red rock in golden light.
Stay overnight in Springdale for easy park access and various dining options:
- Cable Mountain Lodge 📍 147 Zion Park Blvd
- Flanigan’s Resort and Spa📍 450 Zion Park Blvd
- Desert Pearl Inn📍 707 Zion Park Blvd
- Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale📍 1127 Zion Park Blvd
- The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion📍 792 Zion Park Blvd
- Driftwood Lodge📍 1515 Zion Park Blvd
Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park Exploration
Leave Zion early for the scenic 1.5-hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. The park is famous for its otherworldly hoodoos – tall, thin spires of rock.
Start at Sunrise Point for breathtaking morning views, then hike the Queen’s Garden Trail connecting to Navajo Loop (3 miles total). This combination offers the best sampling of Bryce’s unique formations up close.
Enjoy lunch near the park with these top restaurant recommendations:
- The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Restaurant
- Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
- Bryce Canyon Resort Restaurant
- 13500 UT-12, Bryce, UT 84764
- Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill Dinner Show
- 110 E Center St, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
After lunch, drive the park’s 18-mile scenic drive, stopping at major viewpoints:
- Inspiration Point
- Bryce Point
- Natural Bridge
- Rainbow Point
Catch the sunset at Sunset Point where the hoodoos glow in vibrant oranges and reds. Consider joining a ranger-led program or stargazing activity in the evening.
Stay in the nearby town of Bryce for convenient accommodations:
- Bryce Canyon Lodge 📍Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce, UT 84764
- Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel📍30 N 100 E, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
- Bryce View Lodge📍991 South Highway 63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
- Stone Canyon Inn📍1380 W Stone Cyn Ln, Tropic, UT 84776
- Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn📍26 S Main St, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
Day 3: Capitol Reef National Park Adventures
Depart early for the 2.5-hour drive to Capitol Reef National Park, one of Utah’s less-crowded gems.
Begin at the Visitor Center to get oriented, then drive the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive (8 miles one-way). Make sure to stop at the historic Fruita Schoolhouse and orchards, where you can pick seasonal fruit when available.
Hike the moderate Hickman Bridge Trail (2 miles round trip) to see a spectacular 133-foot natural bridge. For amazing panoramic views, take the Cassidy Arch Trail (3.4 miles round trip) named after Butch Cassidy.
Don’t miss sampling the famous homemade pies at the Gifford Homestead, a historic farmhouse in the Fruita district. They’re made with fruit from the historic orchards!
Consider a 4WD adventure on the Cathedral Valley Loop if time permits and you have suitable transportation.
Day 4: Discovering Arches National Park
Travel to Arches National Park (2.5-hour drive) and arrive early to avoid both crowds and heat. This park contains over 2,000 natural stone arches.
Begin with the short but rewarding Windows Section trails to see some of the park’s largest arches. The easy loop is less than 1 mile.
Mid-morning, tackle the popular Delicate Arch trail (3 miles round trip). This moderate hike leads to Utah’s most famous arch that appears on the state’s license plates.
After lunch, explore Devils Garden area and hike to Landscape Arch, one of the world’s longest natural stone arches spanning 306 feet.
End your day with sunset at the Garden of Eden viewpoint, offering amazing photo opportunities of balanced rocks against the La Sal Mountains backdrop.
Stay in Moab, which offers numerous dining options and accommodations for various budgets:
- Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa📍Mile 17 UT-128, Moab, UT 84532
- ULUM Moab📍147 Looking Glass Rd, Moab, UT 84532
- Hyatt Place Moab📍890 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
- Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton📍 111 N 100 W, Moab, UT 84532
- Under Canvas Moab📍13784 US-191, Moab, UT 84532
- Red Cliffs Lodge📍 Mile Post, 14 UT-128, Moab, UT 84532
- Moab Springs Ranch📍1266 N Highway 191, Moab, UT 84532
- Aarchway Inn📍1551 N Highway 191, Moab, UT 84532
- Field Station Moab📍889 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Day 5: Experiencing Canyonlands National Park
Dedicate your final day to Canyonlands National Park, just 30 minutes from Moab. Focus on the Island in the Sky district, the most accessible section.
Start early at Mesa Arch for a spectacular sunrise when the sun illuminates the underside of the arch with a golden glow. This easy 0.5-mile loop is perfect for morning photography.
Visit the Grand View Point and take the 2-mile round trip hike along the rim for panoramic views of the Colorado River and Green River canyons.
Don’t miss Upheaval Dome, a unique geological mystery. Scientists debate whether it’s an impact crater or salt dome. The 1.8-mile round trip hike offers two overlooks of this fascinating formation.
For a thrilling experience, drive the Shafer Trail Viewpoint to see the famous switchbacks descending into the canyon. If you have a 4WD vehicle, consider the White Rim Road overlook.
End your Mighty 5 adventure with sunset at Green River Overlook, offering stunning vistas as your memorable journey concludes.
As your five-day journey through Utah’s five national parks wraps up, you’ll be left with memories of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable moments. From the iconic arches to the towering canyons, each park has offered something special. Though the adventure may be over, the beauty of Utah’s parks will stay with you
